Warwick Castle. October 2014.

After breakfast we headed to Warwick Castle again. The whole place was great and with loads to see we spent virtually the whole day here, mostly due to seeing the 2 Birds of Prey flight displays. The paintings and historic items were so interesting to view, with so much to see.

This is the eel trap at the Mill House.

Some of the beautiful birds on show.

 This Crowned Eagle above was absolutely stunning.

Warwick and Warwick Castle. Oct 2014.

 On the Thursday we headed off to Warwick for a couple of nights away to celebrate our 6th anniversary. We had free entry to Warwick castle during our 2 day stay and once booked in we decided the use the last couple of hours of the day here. We took a tour of the site and watched the Trebuchet being fired. We then spent the remainder of the day talking with Paul, the falconer and Bird of Prey handler, after speaking with him and seeing the raptors we couldn't wait to return for the flight shows the following day.

Improved weather brings on a bird filled day. Oct 2014.

Tuesday 14th started bright and sunny, and we hurried ourselves out. First point of call was Salthouse and another search for Yellow Browed Warblers proved fruitless. The sea was a tad choppy still and a couple of Red Throated Divers moved east.

News of a Red Flanked Bluetail came through at Stiffkey, whilst at Salthouse, and we decided to head along the coast to go for it. It proved to be elusive but showed on a few occasions, enabling Sarah to gain a new species, and what a beauty of a species to get.

Whilst searching the woods a owl was seen to come in and then fly straight out, no doubt due to the amount of people looking for the Red Flanked Bluetail. It was either a Tawny or a Long Eared Owl, and as I looked to where it had headed, there was Sarah already transfixed on its position and calling Long eared ! Everyone then joined her and we all lined up to view this orange eyed lovely as it settled in the hedge.

After some time and no further sign of the Red Flanked' we headed back to the car, not before a stop for an obliging Redstart to have its photo taken.

We pulled up at Wells Woods for, dare I say it Yellow Browed Warblers and maybe the Olive backed Pipit and Radde's warbler there. We headed straight to where the Radde's Warbler was seen. And once again we timed it perfectly, picking the Radde's moving through the woodland on arrival. Sarah headed off to the beach, can't keep her away from the seafront...

I got good views of the Radde's and was pleased to gain a couple of record shots, before having to run back to the car before the ticket run out!! 

What a day and some great birds seen.